Vehicle seating cushion with snap-fit fasteners to interconnect with snap-fit receivers on a structural support

ABSTRACT

A seating assembly for a vehicle comprises: a cushion comprising an outer edge and a plurality of snap-fit-fasteners; and a carrier comprising an outer edge surface and a plurality of snap-fit receivers near the outer edge surface of the carrier arranged to receive the plurality of snap-fit fasteners; wherein the plurality of snap-fit receivers have received and are retaining the plurality of snap-fit fasteners such that the cushion is interconnected with the carrier; and wherein the plurality of snap-fit fasteners and plurality of receivers are arranged to prevent the edge of the cushion from rolling up. The cushion further comprises a lip having an inward facing surface; wherein the cushion at least partially surrounds the carrier with at least a portion of the inward facing surface of the lip facing the outer edge surface of the carrier.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of and claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/605,238, filed on May 25, 2017, entitled“VEHICLE SEATING CUSHION WITH SNAP-FIT FASTENERS TO INTERCONNECT WITHSNAP-FIT RECEIVERS ON A STRUCTURAL SUPPORT,” the contents of which arerelied upon and incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the attachment of cushionsonto a structural support for use as part of a vehicle seating assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A novel vehicle seating assembly utilizing a seatback including acarrier and a cushion assembly attached to the carrier was disclosed inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/414,659 (now U.S. Pat. No.10,166,895), filed on Jan. 25, 2017, the entire disclosure of which ishereby incorporated by reference. The carrier provides structuralsupport for the cushion assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a cushion for aseating assembly of a vehicle comprises: an outer edge; and a pluralityof snap-fit fasteners arranged to interconnect with a plurality ofsnap-fit receivers on a structural support, so as to prevent the outeredge from rolling up.

Embodiments of the first aspect of the invention can include any one ora combination of the following features:

The cushion further comprises: an occupant facing surface and a carrierfacing surface opposite the occupant facing surface; wherein theplurality of snap-fit fasteners are accessible for interconnection fromthe carrier facing surface;

Each of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners comprise a first cantilever,the first cantilever including a catch flange;

Each of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners further include a secondcantilever parallel to the first cantilever, and a base perpendicular tothe first cantilever and the second cantilever; the second cantileverincludes a catch flange extending toward the first cantilever; and thebase, the first cantilever, and the second cantilever form a receiverchannel; wherein the catch flange of the first cantilever extends towardthe second cantilever;

The cushion further comprises: a lip along the outer edge configured toat least partially surround an outer edge surface of the structuralsupport; wherein at least a portion of the snap-fit fasteners areaccessible for interconnection adjacent the lip;

The base of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners further comprise a firstwing portion and a second wing portion opposite the first wing portion;wherein at least part of the first wing portion and the second wingportion are disposed beneath the carrier facing surface; and

The cushion comprises a recess in the carrier facing surface adjacentand parallel to the lip; wherein the receiver channels of at least someof the plurality of snap-fit fasteners are within the recess.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a carrier for aseating assembly of a vehicle comprises: an outer edge surface; and aplurality of snap-fit receivers near the outer edge surface arranged toreceive a plurality of snap-fit fasteners positioned on a cushion.

Embodiments of the second aspect of the invention can include any one ora combination of the following features:

The plurality of snap-fit receivers each comprise a first catchreceiving surface configured to support a first catch flange extendingfrom a first cantilever of a snap-fit fastener of the plurality ofsnap-fit fasteners and thereby interconnect the cushion and the carrier;

The plurality of snap-fit receivers each further comprises a secondcatch receiving surface configured to support a second catch flangeextending from a second cantilever of the snap-fit fastener of theplurality of snap-fit fasteners;

The plurality of snap-fit receivers each further comprise: a cresthaving a tangent line; and a cross-section width parallel to the tangentline of the crest that widens between the crest and the first catchreceiving surface;

The carrier further comprises: a generally forward projecting ribcontiguous with the outer edge surface; wherein at least a portion ofthe plurality of snap-fit receivers are contiguous with the rib;

The plurality of snap-fit receivers further comprise an elongated beamhaving a length, and the length of the elongated beam is generallyparallel to the portion of the outer edge surface to which the length isclosest; and

The carrier further comprises a midline; wherein at least one of theplurality of snap-fit receivers is located at the midline; wherein atleast three of the plurality of snap-fit receivers are located to oneside of the midline; and wherein at least three of the plurality ofsnap-fit receivers are located to the an opposite side of the midline.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a seating assemblyfor a vehicle comprises: a cushion comprising an outer edge and aplurality of snap-fit-fasteners; and a carrier comprising an outer edgesurface and a plurality of snap-fit receivers near the outer edgesurface of the carrier arranged to receive the plurality of snap-fitfasteners; wherein the plurality of snap-fit receivers have received andare retaining the plurality of snap-fit fasteners such that the cushionis interconnected with the carrier; and wherein the plurality ofsnap-fit fasteners and plurality of receivers are arranged to preventthe edge of the cushion from rolling up.

Embodiments of the third aspect of the invention can include any one ora combination of the following features:

The cushion further comprises a lip having an inward facing surface;wherein the cushion at least partially surrounds the carrier with atleast a portion of the inward facing surface of the lip facing the outeredge surface of the carrier;

The cushion further comprises an occupant facing surface and carrierfacing surface opposite the occupant facing surface; wherein theplurality of snap-fit fasteners interconnect with the plurality ofsnap-fit receivers from the carrier facing surface; and wherein at leasta portion of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners interconnect with atleast a portion of the plurality of snap-fit receivers adjacent the lip;

The cushion further comprises a recess in the carrier facing surfaceadjacent and parallel to the lip; each of the plurality of snap-fitfasteners comprise a first cantilever, the first cantilever including acatch flange and a receiver facing surface that faces one of theplurality of receivers; the carrier further comprises a generallyforward projecting rib contiguous with the outer edge surface; and eachof the plurality of snap-fit receivers comprise a cantilever deformingsurface and a first catch receiving surface; wherein at least a portionof the rib of the carrier is seated within the recess of the cushion;wherein the receiver facing surface is generally parallel to the portionof the outer edge of the cushion to which the receiver facing surface isclosest; wherein least a portion of the plurality of the snap-fitreceivers are arranged along the rib; wherein the cantilever deformingsurface deforms the first cantilever of each of the plurality ofsnap-fit fasteners while the plurality of receivers receives theplurality of snap-fit fasteners until the catch flange snaps over andsettles adjacent to the first catch receiving surface of the snap-fitreceiver;

Each of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners further include a secondcantilever parallel to the first cantilever, and a base perpendicular tothe first cantilever and the second cantilever; the second cantileverincludes a catch flange extending toward the first cantilever; and thebase, the first cantilever, and the second cantilever form a receiverchannel; wherein the catch flange of the first cantilever extends towardthe second cantilever; and wherein the each of the plurality ofreceivers are disposed within the receiver channel of a snap-fitfastener of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners; and

The base of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners further comprises afirst wing portion and a second wing portion opposite the first wingportion; and each of the plurality of receivers comprise a crest havinga tangent line and cross-section width that widens between the crest thefirst catch receiving surface; wherein the cantilever deforming surfaceof each of the plurality of receivers pushes the first cantilever andthe second cantilever away from each other until the catch flange of thefirst cantilever snaps over and settles adjacent to the first catchreceiving surface of the snap-fit receiver; and wherein at least part ofthe first wing portion and the second wing portion are disposed beneaththe carrier facing surface.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present inventionwill be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art uponstudying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an interior of a vehicle illustrating aseating assembly;

FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of a seatback comfort assembly forthe seating assembly of FIG. 1, illustrating a cushion assembly attachedto a carrier;

FIG. 3 is a front view of an upper thoracic component of the cushionassembly of FIG. 2, illustrating an occupant facing surface;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the upper thoracic component of FIG. 3,illustrating a lip that at least partially surrounds an upper thoracicsection of the carrier, when the upper thoracic component is attached tothe carrier;

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the upper thoracic component of FIG. 3,illustrating a plurality of snap-fit fasteners arranged to connect theupper thoracic component to the carrier;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the upper thoracic component of FIG. 3,illustrating a recess adjacent the lip and at least of portion of theplurality of snap-fit fasteners arranged adjacent the lip;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a representative snap-fit fastener ofthe plurality of snap-fit fasteners of FIG. 5, illustrating a firstcantilever opposing a second cantilever;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the representative snap-fit fastener of theplurality of snap-fit fasteners of FIG. 5, illustrating an opening intoa receiver channel;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the representative snap-fit fastener of theplurality of snap-fit fasteners of FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is a front view of the carrier of FIG. 2, illustrating aplurality of snap-fit receivers arranged near an outer edge surface ofthe upper thoracic section;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the carrier of FIG. 2, illustrating theplurality of snap-fit receivers arranged near the outer edge surface ofthe upper thoracic section;

FIG. 12 is a top view of the carrier of FIG. 2, illustrating theplurality of snap-fit receivers arranged near the outer edge surface ofthe upper thoracic section;

FIG. 13 is front close up view of area XIII of FIG. 10, illustrating arepresentative snap-fit receiver in the form of an elongated beam with acrest;

FIG. 14 is a rear close up view of area XIII of FIG. 10, illustratingthe snap-fit receiver including a first catch receiving surface and asecond catch receiving surface;

FIG. 15 is a perspective cross-sectional view taken through line XV-XVof FIG. 13, illustrating the snap-fit receiver with widening crosssection from the crest to the first catch receiving surface;

FIG. 16 is a rear view of the cushion assembly and the carrier of FIG. 2attached to each other, illustrating the plurality of snap-fit fastenersinterconnected with the plurality of snap-fit receivers;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the attached cushion assembly andcarrier of FIG. 2 taken through line XVII-XVII of FIG. 16, illustratingthe lip at least partially surrounding a rib of the carrier;

FIG. 18 is a rear close up view of area XVIII of FIG. 16, illustratingthe snap-fit fastener of FIG. 7 interconnected with the snap-fitreceiver of FIG. 13; and

FIG. 19 is a perspective cross-sectional view taken through line XIX-XIXof FIG. 18, illustrating the snap-fit receiver of FIG. 13 held withinthe receiver channel of the snap-fit fastener of FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivativesthereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1. However,it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume variousalternative orientations, except where expressly specified to thecontrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices andprocesses illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in thefollowing specification are simply exemplary embodiments of theinventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specificdimensions and other physical characteristics relating to theembodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting,unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

Referring to FIG. 1, the interior of a vehicle 10 is illustrated. Thevehicle 10 includes a seating assembly 12 interconnected with the floor14. The seating assembly 12 includes a seat 16 and a seatback 18. Theseatback 18 is generally adjustable relative to the seat 16. The seat 16is generally adjustable relative to the floor 14. The seatback 18 isconfigured to support the back of an occupant of the seating assembly12. The seatback 18 includes, among other things, a seatback comfortassembly 20 and a back panel 22. The seatback comfort assembly 20 can bedivided into an upper thoracic region 24 and a lower lumbar region 26.The seat 16 includes a seat comfort assembly 28 attached to a seat frame30. The vehicle 10 can be a car, truck, or van, among other things.

Referring to FIG. 2, the seatback comfort assembly 20 includes acoverstock 32, a cushion assembly 34, and a carrier 36. The coverstock32 is a fabric such as cloth, vinyl, or leather and provides the surfaceupon which the occupant sits. The coverstock 32 is attached to thecarrier 36 and covers the cushion assembly 34. The carrier 36 providesstructural support for the cushion assembly 34 and the coverstock 32.The carrier 36 has an upper thoracic section 38, which corresponds tothe upper thoracic region 24 of the seatback comfort assembly 20, and alower lumbar section 40, which corresponds to the lower lumbar region 26of the seatback comfort assembly 20. The cushion assembly 34 includes alower lumbar component 42, which corresponds to the lower lumbar region26 of the seatback comfort assembly 20, and an upper thoracic component44, which corresponds to the upper thoracic region 24 of the seatbackcomfort assembly 20. It should be understood, however, that the cushionassembly 34 can be one component rather than two separate components.The cushion assembly 34 is primarily molded foam. The cushion assembly34 cushions the body of an occupant of the seating assembly 12. Althoughnot illustrated, it should be understood that the seat comfort assembly28 likewise includes a coverstock covering a cushion, which is attachedto a carrier, which is further supported by the seat frame 30.

Referring to FIGS. 3-6, the upper thoracic component 44 of the cushionassembly 34 includes an outer edge 46 around the entire upper thoraciccomponent 44. The upper thoracic component 44 further includes anoccupant facing surface 48, which is the side of the upper thoraciccomponent 44 that supports and faces an occupant sitting in the seatingassembly 12. The upper thoracic component 44 further includes a carrierfacing surface 50 opposite the occupant facing surface 48. The carrierfacing surface 50 is the side of the upper thoracic component 44 thatgenerally faces and abuts the carrier 36, when the upper thoraciccomponent 44 is attached to the carrier 36. The upper thoracic component44 further includes a lip 52 along the outer edge 46. The lip 52 extendsgenerally rearward, that is, away from the occupant facing surface 48.The lip 52 is configured to at least partially surround the outer edgesurface (discussed below) of the carrier 36, and thus help maintain theupper thoracic component 44 in place on the carrier 36 after attachment.In some embodiments of a cushion, a lip could be configured to entirelysurround the outer edge surface of the carrier 36. The lip 52 includesan inward facing surface 54. The upper thoracic component 44 furtherincludes a recess 56 in the carrier facing surface 50. The recess 56runs parallel to the lip 52 and is adjacent to the lip 52. The recess 56is contiguous with the inward facing surface 54 of the lip 52. In otherwords, the recess 56 transitions into the inward facing surface 54 ofthe lip 52. The recess 56 matches and receives a rib on the carrier 36,as discussed below, which further helps maintain the upper thoraciccomponent 44 in place on the carrier 36 after attachment.

The upper thoracic component 44 includes a plurality of snap-fitfasteners 58 a-g, including a first snap-fit fastener 58 a, a secondsnap-fit fastener 58 b, a third snap-fit fastener 58 c, a fourthsnap-fit fastener 58 d, a fifth snap-fit fastener 58 e, a sixth snap-fitfastener 58 f, and a seventh snap-fit fastener 58 g. The plurality ofsnap-fit fasteners 58 a-g are arranged to interconnect with (e.g.,fasten or attach to) a plurality of snap-fit receivers (discussed below)on the carrier 36. The plurality of snap-fit fasteners 58 a-g areaccessible for interconnection from the carrier facing surface 50. Inother words, the plurality of snap-fit fasteners 58 a-g are accessiblefrom the rear of the upper thoracic component 44. Thus, the plurality ofsnap-fit fasteners 58 a-g allow the carrier facing surface 50 to faceand abut the carrier 36.

The snap-fit fasteners 58 a-g are arranged so as to prevent the outeredge 46 from rolling up after the upper thoracic component 44 cushion isattached to the carrier 36. To prevent the outer edge 46 from rollingup, the snap-fit fasteners 58 a-g are provided close to the outer edge46 and numerous snap-fit fasteners 58 a-g are utilized. In thisembodiment of the upper thoracic component 44 of the cushion assembly34, seven spaced apart snap-fit fasteners 58 a-g are utilized. Onesnap-fit fastener, snap-fit fastener 58 d, is located at a midline 60 ofthe upper thoracic component 44. Three snap-fit fasteners, snap-fitfasteners 58 a-c, are located to one side of the midline 60. Threesnap-fit fasteners, snap-fit fasteners 58 e-g, are located to the otherside of the midline 60. A portion of the snap-fit fasteners 58 a-g,snap-fit fasteners 58 a-c and 58 e-g, in this embodiment, are accessiblefor interconnection with the carrier 36 adjacent the lip 52. Because thelip 52 surrounds the carrier 36, the snap-fit fasteners 58 a-c, 58 e-gare positioned adjacent (close to) the lip 52 as close to the outer edge46 as possible, which assists in preventing the outer edge 46 fromrolling up. At least some of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners 58 a-g,specifically snap-fit fasteners 58 a-c, 58 e-g, are arranged adjacentthe recess 56 such that the base (discussed below) of the snap-fitfastener is disposed within the foam directly below the surface of therecess 56.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-9, the structure of each of the plurality ofsnap-fit fasteners 58 a-g is discussed. As each of the plurality ofsnap-fit fasteners 58 a-g is the same, snap-fit fastener 58 a isdiscussed as representative of all of the plurality of snap-fitfasteners 58 a-g. Snap-fit fastener 58 a includes a first cantilever 62a, which includes a catch flange 64 a. As discussed further below, thefirst cantilever 62 a deforms while the catch flange 64 a slides over asurface of a snap-fit receiver on the carrier 36 and then snaps back tothe original (non-deformed) state when the catch flange 64 a meets anundercut or recessed area of the snap-fit receiver, which then holds thecatch flange 64 a into place, thereby interconnecting the snap-fitfastener 58 a to the snap-fit receiver. The first cantilever 62 aincludes a receiver facing surface 66 a. The receiver facing surface 66a is generally parallel to the portion of the outer edge 46 of the upperthoracic component 44 cushion to which the receiver facing surface 66 ais closest.

Representative snap-fit fastener 58 a further includes a secondcantilever 68 a. A cushion, such as the upper thoracic component 44, caninterconnect with a structural support, such as carrier 36, and preventthe outer edge, such as outer edge 46, from rolling up by utilizingsnap-fit fasteners that include only a first cantilever, such as firstcantilever 62 a. However, adding a second cantilever, such as secondcantilever 68 a, adds stability to the interconnection. The secondcantilever 68 a can be generally parallel to the first cantilever 62 a,in that the first cantilever 62 a and the second cantilever 68 a bothextend from a base 72 a (discussed below) in the same direction. Thesecond cantilever 68 a also includes a catch flange 70 a. The catchflange 70 a of the second cantilever 68 a serves the same function asthe catch flange 64 a of the first cantilever 62 a in that the catchflange 70 a meets an undercut or recessed area of the snap-fit receiverand is thereby held in place. The catch flange 70 a of the secondcantilever 68 a extends toward the first cantilever 62 a and the catchflange 64 a of the first cantilever 62 a extends toward the secondcantilever 68 a. In this manner, the first cantilever 62 a and thesecond cantilever 68 a are mirror images of each other.

Representative snap-fit fastener 58 a further includes a base 72 a thatis perpendicular to and supports the first cantilever 62 a and thesecond cantilever 68 a. The base 72 a, the first cantilever 62 a, andthe second cantilever 68 a form a receiver channel 74 a, within which asnap-fit receiver 84 a (discussed below) of the carrier 36 can be heldand maintained allowing for interconnection between the snap-fitfastener 58 a and the snap-fit receiver 84 a. The space between thecatch flange 64 a of the first cantilever 62 a and the catch flange 70 aof the second cantilever 68 a forms an opening 76 a into the receiverchannel 74 a. The base 72 a further includes a first wing portion 78 aand a second wing portion 80 a opposite of the first wing portion 78 a.At least the first wing portion 78 a and the second wing portion 80 aare disposed beneath the carrier facing surface 50. This can be achievedby foam molding the cushion, here the upper thoracic component 44, withthe snap-fit fastener 58 a properly positioned within the mold duringthe molding of the foam (along with all the other snap-fit fasteners 58b-g), such that the first wing portion 78 a and the second wing portion80 a are molded over. The first wing portion 78 a and the second wingportion 80 a add stability and keep the snap-fit fastener 58 a connectedto the upper thoracic component 44 even when a pulling force is appliedto the first cantilever 62 a and the second cantilever 68 a. The firstcantilever 62 a and the second cantilever 68 a may be nearly entirelyexposed (i.e., not molded over with foam) and extend away from thecarrier facing surface 50 in a generally rearward direction. The firstcantilever 62 a and the second cantilever 68 a may be partially moldedover with foam, such that most of the first cantilever 62 a and thesecond cantilever 68 a are molded over with foam except for the receiverfacing surface 66 a of the first cantilever 62 a, the equivalentreceiver facing surface of the second cantilever 68 a, all or most ofthe receiver channel 74 a, and the portion of the catch flange 64 a andthe catch flange 70 a facing downward toward the receiver channel 74 a.

Referring now to FIGS. 10-12, the carrier 36 includes an outer edgesurface 82. The carrier 36 further includes a plurality of snap-fitreceivers 84 a-g near the outer edge surface 82. The plurality ofsnap-fit receivers 84 a-g include a first snap-fit receiver 84 a, asecond snap-fit receiver 84 b, a third snap-fit receiver 84 c, a fourthsnap-fit receiver 84 d, a fifth snap-fit receiver 84 e, a sixth snap-fitreceiver 84 f, and a seventh snap-fit receiver 84 g. The plurality ofsnap-fit receivers 84 a-g are arranged to receive the plurality ofsnap-fit fasteners 58 a-g on the upper thoracic component 44 of thecushion assembly 34. In other words, the plurality of snap-fit receivers84 a-g are positioned to interconnect with the plurality of snap-fitfasteners 58 a-g. For example, first snap-fit receiver 84 a ispositioned to interconnect with first snap-fit fastener 58 a, and so on.Positioning the snap-fit receivers 84 a-g near the outer edge surface 82helps prevent the upper thoracic component 44 cushion from rolling upwhen the upper thoracic component 44 is attached to the carrier 36. Thecarrier 36 has a midline 86.

In this embodiment of the carrier 36, at least one of the plurality ofsnap-fit receivers 84 a-g, namely snap-fit receiver 84 d, is located atthe midline 86. Further, at least three of the plurality of snap-fitreceivers 84 a-g, namely snap-fit receivers 84 a-c, are located to oneside of the midline 86. Likewise, at least three of the plurality ofsnap-fit receivers 84 a-g, namely snap-fit receivers 84 e-g, are locatedto the other side of the midline 86. Such an arrangement providesappropriate distribution of the plurality of snap-fit receivers 84 a-gfor adequate interconnection between the carrier 36 and the upperthoracic component 44 cushion.

The carrier 36 further includes a rib 88 and a cushion facing surface106. The cushion facing surface 106, at the upper thoracic section 38,faces and abuts the carrier facing surface 50 of the upper thoraciccomponent 44. The rib 88 projects generally forward, that is, outperpendicularly relative to the cushion facing surface 106. The rib 88is contiguous with the outer edge surface 82. In other words, theoutermost surface of the rib 88 is the outer edge surface 82. Asmentioned above, the recess 56 of the upper thoracic component 44matches and receives the rib 88. The recess 56 is the recess in whichthe rib 88 sits. That further helps maintain the upper thoraciccomponent 44 in place on the upper thoracic section 38 of the carrier36, when the upper thoracic component 44 is attached to the carrier 36.The first cantilever 62 a-c, 62 e-g and the second cantilever 68 a-c, 68e-g of snap-fit fasteners 58 a-c, 58 e-g are positioned such that theyare within the recess 56, slightly projected from the recess 56, andform the receiver channels 74 a-c, 74 e-g that are within the recess.Snap-fit receivers 84 a-c, 84 e-g, are contiguous with the rib 88 (i.e.,they are arranged along the rib 88). Thus, not only do the recess 56 andthe rib 88 mechanically cooperate, the snap-fit fasteners 58 a-c, 58 e-glocated along the recess 56 interconnect with the snap-fit receivers 84a-c, 84 e-g on the rib 88.

Referring now to FIGS. 13-15, each of the plurality of snap-fitreceivers 84 a-g are discussed. As each of the plurality of snap-fitreceivers 84 a-g include the same general features, snap-fit receiver 84a is discussed as representative of all snap-fit receivers 84 a-g.Snap-fit receiver 84 a includes a first catch receiving surface 90 a.The first catch receiving surface 90 a is adjacent the first catchflange 64 a extending from the first cantilever 62 a of snap-fitfastener 58 a, when the upper thoracic component 44 cushioninterconnects with the carrier 36. The first catch receiving surface 90a and the first catch flange 64 a cooperate to prevent the snap-fitreceiver 84 a from disconnecting from the snap-fit fastener 58 a afterthey become interconnected. Snap-fit receiver 84 a can further include asecond catch receiving surface 92 a. The second catch receiving surface92 a is adjacent the catch flange 70 a extending from the secondcantilever 68 a of the snap-fit fastener 58 a when the upper thoraciccomponent 44 interconnects with carrier 36. The second catch receivingsurface 92 a and the second catch flange 70 a cooperate to prevent thesnap-fit receiver 84 a from disconnecting from the snap-fit fastener 58a after they become interconnected. Although the snap-fit receiver 84 acould employ only the first catch receiving surface 90 a if snap-fitfastener 58 a includes only the first cantilever 62 a with catch flange64 a, as discussed above, it could be advantageous to include theopposing second cantilever 68 a with catch flange 70 a. In such ascircumstance, the second catch receiving surface 92 a would likewise beadvantageous to interact with catch flange 70 a of the second cantilever68 a.

Snap-fit receiver 84 a further includes a crest 94 a. As explained ingreater detail below, snap-fit fastener 58 a first interacts withsnap-fit receiver 84 a at the crest 94 a as the crest 94 a enters thereceiver channel 74 a. The crest 94 a has a tangent line 96 a. Snap-fitreceiver 84 a further comprises a cross-section width 98 a that isparallel to the tangent line 96 a. The cross-section width 98 a widensbetween the crest 94 a and the first catch receiving surface 90 a. Thiswidening cross-section width 98 a, as explained in greater detail below,causes a cantilever deforming surface 100 a to push the first cantilever62 a and the second cantilever 68 a apart from each other as snap-fitreceiver 84 a goes through opening 76 a and enters the receiver channel74 a.

Snap-fit receiver 84 a can further include an elongated beam 102 a. Inother words, the cross-section of a snap-fit receiver 84 a can have anentirely enclosed perimeter with no material impeding the shortestdistance between the first catch receiving surface 90 a and the secondcatch receiving surface 92 a. In short, snap-fit receiver 84 a can becircumnavigable around the cross-section thereof. The elongated beam 102a has a length 104 a. The length 104 a is generally parallel to theportion of the outer edge surface 82 to which the length 104 a isclosest.

Referring now to FIGS. 16-19, the upper thoracic component 44 cushionbecomes interconnected with the upper thoracic section 38 of the carrier36 by placing the carrier facing surface 50 of the upper thoraciccomponent 44 onto the cushion facing surface 106 of the upper thoracicsection 38 of the carrier 36. The crest 94 a of snap-fit receiver 84 ais moved toward and into the opening 76 a between the catch flange 64 aof the first cantilever 62 a and the catch flange 70 a of the secondcantilever 68 a of snap-fit fastener 58 a. The cantilever deformingsurface 100 a of snap-fit receiver 84 a increasingly deforms the firstcantilever 62 a and/or the second cantilever 68 a as the cantileverdeforming surface 100 a progresses through the opening 76 a and into thereceiver channel 74 a, because the cross-section width 98 a parallel tothe tangent line 96 a of the crest 94 a widens toward the first catchreceiving surface 90 a. The cantilever deforming surface 100 a continuesto deform the first cantilever 62 a and/or the second cantilever 68 a,and pushes them away from each other, until the catch flange 64 a of thefirst cantilever 62 a and the catch flange 70 a of the second cantilever68 a snap over and settle adjacent to the first catch receiving surface90 a and second catch receiving surface 92 a, respectively, of thesnap-fit receiver 84 a. This snapping provides audible and tactilefeedback that snap-fit fastener 58 a and the snap-fit receiver 84 a haveinterconnected. The receiver facing surface 66 a of the first cantilever62 a of snap-fit fastener 58 a faces the cantilever deforming surface100 a of snap-fit receiver 84 a. Snap-fit receiver 84 a is now disposedwithin the receiver channel 74 a of snap-fit fastener 58 a. Theremaining of the plurality of snap-fasteners 58 b-g and plurality ofsnap-fit receivers 84 b-g are interconnected in the same manner,providing the same audible and tactile feedback when they becomeinterconnected.

Accordingly, the plurality of snap-fit receivers 84 a-g have received,are retaining, and are interconnected with the plurality of snap-fitfasteners 58 a-g. Thus, the upper thoracic component 44 of the cushionassembly 34 is interconnected with the upper thoracic section 38 of thecarrier 36. The carrier facing surface 50 of the upper thoraciccomponent 44 thus faces and abuts the cushion facing surface 106 of theupper thoracic section 38 of the carrier 36. The plurality of snap-fitfasteners 58 a-g are interconnected with the plurality of snap-fitreceivers 84 a-g from the carrier facing surface 50. More specifically,the first snap-fit receiver 84 a has received and is retaining the firstsnap-fit fastener 58 a, the second snap-fit receiver 84 b has receivedand is retaining the second snap-fit fastener 58 b, the third snap-fitreceiver 84 c has received and is retaining the third snap-fit fastener58 c, the fourth snap-fit receiver 84 d has received and is retainingthe fourth snap-fit fastener 58 d, the fifth snap-fit receiver 84 e hasreceived and is retaining the fifth snap-fit fastener 58 e, the sixthsnap-fit receiver 84 f has received and is retaining the sixth snap-fitfastener 58 f, and the seventh snap-fit receiver 84 g has received andis retaining the seventh snap-fit fastener 58 g. As the plurality ofsnap-fit receiver 84 a-g are arranged close to the outer edge surface 82and spaced apart, and there are plurality of snap-fit fasteners 58 a-garranged close to the outer edge 46 to accommodate the location of theplurality of snap-fit receiver 84 a-g, the outer edge 46 of the upperthoracic component 44 cushion is prevented from rolling up.

The upper thoracic component 44 cushion at least partially surroundscarrier 36 such that at least a portion of the inward facing surface 54of the lip 52 faces the outer edge surface 82 of the upper thoracicsection 38 of the carrier 36. At least a portion of the snap-fitfasteners 58 a-g, namely snap-fit fasteners 58 a-c, 58 e-g, areinterconnected with a portion of the plurality of snap-fit receivers 84a-g, namely snap-fit receivers 84 a-c, 84 e-g, adjacent the lip 52. Atleast a portion of the rib 88 of the carrier 36 is seated within therecess 56 of the upper thoracic component 44 cushion. By partiallyencircling the upper thoracic section 38 of the carrier 36 in thismanner, that is, using lip 52 to partially surround and encircle theouter edge surface 82 of upper thoracic section 38 and seating the rib88 within the recess 56, the upper thoracic component 44 is more apt tostay on and interconnected with the carrier 36. By interconnectingsnap-fit fasteners 58 a-g and snap-fit receivers 84 a-g adjacently, thatis, close to, the lip 52, the outer edge 46 of the upper thoraciccomponent 44 is less likely to roll up.

It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made onthe aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of thepresent invention, and further it is to be understood that such conceptsare intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claimsby their language expressly state otherwise.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cushion for a seating assembly of a vehiclecomprising: an occupant facing surface; a carrier facing surface facingthe generally opposite direction as the occupant facing surface; anouter edge; a lip disposed along the outer edge of the cushion andextending from the carrier facing surface in a direction away from theoccupant facing surface; and a plurality of snap-fit fasteners extendingout of the recess in the direction away from the occupant facingsurface.
 2. The cushion of claim 1 further comprising: a coverstockcovering the occupant facing surface.
 3. The cushion of claim 1 furthercomprising: molded foam.
 4. The cushion of claim 1 further comprising: arecess into the carrier facing surface that runs parallel to the lip. 5.The cushion of claim 1 further comprising: a midline; one of theplurality of snap-fit fasteners is disposed at the midline, at leastthree of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners are disposed to one side ofthe midline, and at least three of the plurality of snap-fit fastenersare disposed to the other side of the midline.
 6. The cushion of claim1, at least some of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners have a base, aportion of which is disposed beneath the carrier facing surface.
 7. Thecushion of claim 1 further comprising: molded foam; at least some of theplurality of snap-fit fasteners have a base, a portion of which isdisposed beneath the carrier facing surface within the molded foam. 8.The cushion of claim 1, each of the plurality of snap-fit fastenerscomprising a first cantilever and a second cantilever, the firstcantilever including a catch flange that extends toward the secondcantilever, and the second cantilever including a catch flange thatextends toward the first cantilever.
 9. The cushion of claim 1, each ofthe plurality of snap-fit fasteners comprising a first cantilever with acatch flange.
 10. The cushion of claim 1, each of the plurality ofsnap-fit fasteners comprising a base, the base comprising a first wingportion and a second wing portion that are both disposed beneath thecarrier facing surface.
 11. The cushion of claim 1, each of theplurality of snap-fit fasteners comprising a first cantilever, a secondcantilever, and a base that is perpendicular to and supports the firstcantilever and the second cantilever.
 12. The cushion of claim 1, eachof the plurality of snap-fit fasteners comprising a first cantilever, asecond cantilever, and a base that is perpendicular to and supports thefirst cantilever and the second cantilever; the first cantileverincluding a catch flange that extends toward the second cantilever, andthe second cantilever including a catch flange that extends toward thefirst cantilever, the catch flange of the first cantilever and the catchflange of the second cantilever being separated by a space; the firstcantilever and the second cantilever form a receiver channel, and thespace between the catch flange of the first cantilever and the catchflange of the second cantilever forms an opening into the receiverchannel.
 13. The cushion of claim 12, a portion of the catch flange ofthe first cantilever, and a portion of the catch flange of the secondcantilever, point toward the receiver channel.
 14. A cushion for aseating assembly of a vehicle comprising: a cushion comprising an outeredge, an occupant facing surface, a carrier facing surface opposite theoccupant facing surface, a plurality of snap-fit fasteners disposed atthe carrier facing surface, a lip extending away from the occupantfacing surface along the outer edge, and a recess into the carrierfacing surface adjacent and parallel to the lip; and each of theplurality of snap-fit fasteners comprising a first cantilever, the firstcantilever including a catch flange.
 15. The cushion of claim 14, aportion of each of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners is disposedbeneath the carrier facing surface of the cushion.
 16. The cushion ofclaim 14, at least some of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners arearranged adjacent the recess.
 17. The cushion of claim 14, each of theplurality of snap-fit fasteners further including a second cantileverparallel to the first cantilever, and a base perpendicular to the firstcantilever and the second cantilever; the second cantilever including acatch flange extending toward the first cantilever; the base, the firstcantilever, and the second cantilever forming a receiver channel; andthe catch flange of the first cantilever extends toward the secondcantilever.
 18. The cushion of claim 17, the base of each of theplurality of snap-fit fasteners further comprising a first wing portionand a second wing portion opposite the first wing portion, at least aportion of both the first wing portion and the second wing portion beingdisposed beneath the carrier facing surface.
 19. The cushion of claim14, the cushion having a midline, an equal number of the plurality ofsnap-fit fasteners are disposed to each side of the midline, and one ofthe plurality of snap-fit fasteners is disposed at the midline.
 20. Acarrier for a cushion of a seating assembly of a vehicle comprising: amidline, an outer edge surface, a plurality of snap-fit receivers nearthe outer edge surface, and a rib contiguous with the outer edgesurface; each of the plurality of snap-fit receivers comprising acantilever deforming surface and a first catch receiving surface, and atleast a portion of the plurality of the snap-fit receivers are arrangedalong the rib; each of the plurality of snap-fit receivers furthercomprising a crest having a tangent line and a cross-section width thatwidens between the crest and the first catch receiving surface; and anequal number of the plurality of snap-fit receivers are disposed to eachside of the midline of the carrier, and one of the plurality of snap-fitreceivers is disposed at the midline of the carrier.